How do I train a dog to do some tricks?

Question

I have a Lab and I know that this breed is super smart and I need to train him. He is a black male lab. About 4 years old. He already knows sit, lay down, and jump. I want to teach him to speak, to roll over, to stay, and to stop pulling on the leash.
Any ideas or suggestions?

Answer 1

To get him to stop pulling on the leash, when you go on keep the leash at a shorter length and walk straight ahead and let the leash out a little more every time he doesn't pull anymore:)

Answer 2

Training a normal dog is surprisingly simple and you don't need to hire a trainer. First decide on what you want the dog to do (within reason) and what verbal and visual command you will use to initiate the command.

For example - use the word sit, then point with one finger at the ground (or whatever word/gesture you choose) and then physically encourage the dog to sit. When he/she does, reward them with praise (pet them - positive physical contact)and a treat. If they don't perform the command, don't scold or hit them. Negative reinforcement never works. Just keep repeating the command and doing this until you get the desired response. Be patient and practice the commands every day until they thoroughly learn them by heart.

Standard commands are sit, (lie) down, go, come, speak, hold (food), heel, out and off. You can substitute any word you choose for these and a lab should take no longer than 2-3 weeks to learn these if you work with them for an hour each day. If you need more information, there are small books on dog training available at your local library or pet store.

It took me about two weeks to train our German shepherd / Collie mix and that included roll over, jump and watch (to actively guard). Very smart dog but also consistent commands, patience and training, along with regular practice.

Answer 3

I can't help you with "speak", I've never been able to teach this one but as for the others.

Roll Over-put the dog into a down position and using a food reward, place your cupped hand (treat inside) to the dog's nose, then bring your hand around the back of the head. The dog should follow the treat around. They may try to stand, but keep your hand low to their body to get that head to turn and the body should follow. Add the command word AFTER you get the behavior.

Stay-put the dog into a sit or down. Give the stay command (and maybe a flat hand toward them for a signal). Step back, step forward and treat. Always treat while they are still sitting or lying down. Increase the amount of time you wait as the dog succeeds at staying.

Walking behaviors- I like to train a "heel" without treats, though many use them. When the dog steps out of line, pull to the side (not up or back) and give them a "sh' noise. Keep the collar high on the neck (just below the ears, you get better control with less effort). Keep your arm relaxed. and to your side. And change your behavior. Walk like you are a celebrity or a rock star, you need to be a pack leader. It works I have my five chihuahuas trained to walk by my side and not pull. Check out the Dog whisperer Cesar Milan to see this in action. That's how I learned it.

As for other tricks, watch your dog's behavior. Some tricks will be easier for him to learn than others. Try to take his natural behaviors and turn them into tricks too.

Answer 4

Maybe your dog is NOT a well-behaved dog.But whatever your reasons are,It is NOT your dog' fault.In fact,dogs are very very clever.They just need to be trained correctly.But, dog training method could not be expressed clearly just by single sentence.It requires some basic professional knowledges.Well, to gain those knowledges is not that difficult.SO you do NOT need those professional dog trainer and you do NOT need some 12–week dog obedience training plan where you do almost the same thing each week.Yourself can also become an excellent dog trainer in several hours.So If you want to learn what it really takes to transform your dog’s behavior problems,understand and communicate with your dog now,you can visit the site listed below.It provide you with the most popular and easiest dog training Guide.There is the easiest method to make your dog to listen to you in the shortest period of time.

Here: http://www.dogstraining.info

GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR DOG!!!

Answer 5

For the leash one you need to teach him to walk beside or behind. Use the treats you give him(weather it is just a good rub/pet) and continue on how you taught him to sit etc... Just use different techniques.

I'm not sure how much that will work for stay so. The way I learned to teach dogs (from my mother and various others) is to make her sit, then give her praise, tell her to stay, and take one step back, if she moves repeat the process, if she doesn't praise her. Slowly work your way out of the room in this mannar. I hope this helps you. Good luck^.~

Answer 6

Sign up with a reputable local obedience school. Although your dog knows some of the basic commands, he doesn't have all of them. You need all of the basics to build a repertoire of tricks. The basics are the foundation to all of the best tricks.
Don't be disappointed if you can't get him to roll-over, some of the larger breeds don't like to do it. It irritates their spine, even though you see them rolling over on their own they may not want to comply with the command.
And you're right, Labs are one of the smarter breeds.

Answer 7

The best resource that I have found is www.clickertraining.com. It teaches the principles of positive reinforcement and is the same type of training methods used for TV, movies, obedience, and in large animal and exotic animal training (like zoos and aquariums). The clicker will help you signal to your dog that what he is doing is right and will help strengthen the bond between you. With the clicker, you can actually "capture" a behavior that you want to do, even without doing any actual training.

Answer 8

The biggest mistake I made was the day I taught my Chihuahua's to speak to me, now they speak when I don't want them too lol...
Repeating the same trick over and over again and lots of praise is a great way to teach a puppy.

Answer 9

Hi ,
Well i found this really helpful guide ,its a really professional training called sit stay fetch , to teach you how to train your dog by yourself , http://dogobediencetraining.co.nr , its a easy step by step book and videos
Hope this helps you with your dog

Answer 10

Give hi a treat after you have him do 1
if he doesn't tempt him with treat but dont give to him till he does 1 Dont forget to pet him/her
Start with simple trikcs like:stay sit come